| Syllabus: GS-II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests, Issue: Block politics in Asia |
Context: US President’s summits with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines
Key takeaway from the summit:
- Summit signal Japan’s shift from a passive to a potential military powerhouse in Asia.
- Japan agreed to integrate military command structures with the US and boost defense capabilities.
- Japan aims to deter Chinese military coercion and uphold a rules-based Indo-Pacific.
- Japan pledged to defend the Philippines’ territorial sovereignty in South China Sea.
- Kishida and Biden discussed economic cooperation with Manila as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
China’s reaction to the summit
- China warns against “bloc politics” and the formation of a “mini NATO” in Asia.
- China hosted Russian and Taiwanese leaders and leaders from Vietnam and Indonesia, to bolster regional ties.
- China seeks to prevent economic decoupling from China and the formation of a US-backed coalition among its neighbors.
The way ahead for India:
- US-China confrontation in Asia has global implications.
- India’s partnership with the US and border standoff with China give it a key role in Asian affairs.
- Speculation arises in Delhi about Chinese efforts to prevent India-US alignment.
- Past letdowns urge caution regarding Chinese outreach.
- Restoring peace on the India-China border is crucial before considering a political reset.
